From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 17

Julia's POV

I stared at my reflection in the dorm room mirror, Matthew's dismissive words from Edward's retirement ceremony still ringing in my ears.

"The questions should be straightforward for any student who's been paying attention."

His cold tone had been like a slap to the face. I'd built him up in my mind as someone different from Nathan—someone who respected me and saw my value. But that brief interaction had shattered those illusions. Maybe all Alphas were the same after all: arrogant, dismissive, and interested only in their own power.

*You might be overthinking this,* Kaia whispered in my mind. *He was just being professional.*

"Professional would have been answering my question, not dismissing it," I muttered, arranging my textbooks and notes on my desk. I had a scholarship exam to prepare for, and I couldn't waste time dwelling on Matthew's attitude. This scholarship was my ticket to freedom—financial independence that Nathan couldn't touch and potentially a position that could take me far from Star Shadow pack's reach.

I ran my fingers over my stethoscope, a tangible reminder of why I was here. My nursing career wasn't just about helping others; it was my escape route.

"This is my only chance," I told my reflection, shoulders squared with determination. "And I'm not going to blow it because some Alpha couldn't be bothered to give me thirty seconds of actual advice."

---

"Hey, Julia! Wait up!"

I turned to see Daniel jogging toward me across the campus center. The morning air was crisp with autumn, and I'd been lost in thought, mentally reviewing pharmacology terms as I walked to the library.

"You look like you're on a mission," he said, falling into step beside me. His smile was genuine, reaching his deep green eyes in a way that made something flutter in my chest.

"Library. I need to study for the scholarship exam," I replied, clutching my books tighter. "I can't afford any distractions."

"Mind if I join you? I've got some research to do too." When I hesitated, he added, "No distractions, I promise."

I nodded, unable to find a reason to refuse. "So, how was that retirement ceremony you went to?" he asked as we walked. "For your dad's friend, right?"

"It was... educational," I said carefully, not wanting to discuss my disappointing interaction with Matthew. "Nice to see how another pack operates."

"I've heard Spring Valley is pretty progressive," Daniel commented. "Their Alpha runs that medical scholarship program, doesn't he?"

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral despite the twinge of disappointment I felt at the mention of Matthew.

"You know," Daniel continued, "I started organizing some practice materials for you. For the scholarship exam." He looked slightly embarrassed by the admission. "I thought maybe we could go through them together sometime."

The gesture caught me off guard. No one had ever gone out of their way to help me succeed before.

"That's... really thoughtful of you, Daniel. Thank you."

In the library, Daniel shared his experience with the scholarship committee while I took notes.

"Collins is tough but fair," he explained. "He looks for critical thinking more than memorization. The scenario questions are designed to see how you'd react under pressure."

I tried to focus on Daniel's advice, but my thoughts kept drifting to Matthew's cold demeanor and the crushing disappointment I'd felt. What had I expected? That he'd remember our brief interaction at the pharmacy counter? That he'd take a special interest in me because he'd once defended me against Nathan?

*He's quite handsome,* Kaia teased, sensing my thoughts. *But sometimes he acts like a jerk.*

*That's not saying much,* I replied silently.

*Daniel is nice too,* Kaia continued. *And much more of a gentleman than that Matthew. College dating could be fun, you know.*

I glanced at Daniel, who was drawing a diagram explaining the scholarship evaluation process. He was attractive in a warm, approachable way—nothing like Nathan's calculated charm or Matthew's intense presence. And he genuinely seemed to care about helping me.

*Maybe,* I conceded to Kaia.

---

After several days of intense studying, I felt my brain turning to mush. Every medical term was blurring together, and my eyes burned from staring at textbooks.

"You need a break," Daniel declared on Friday evening, closing the book I'd been highlighting. "Even brilliant minds need rest."

"I can't afford to waste time," I protested weakly, but even Kaia was agreeing with him.

*He's right. You're exhausted.*

"One night off won't tank your chances," Daniel insisted. "There's a documentary showing at the theater tonight. It's about frontline medical workers in crisis zones. Educational *and* entertaining."

I hesitated. The idea of stepping away from my books filled me with anxiety, but the topic did sound interesting.

*Go,* Kaia urged. *You deserve a few hours of normal.*

"Okay," I finally agreed. "But just for a couple hours."

Daniel's smile was worth the concession.

Outside the theater, I shifted uncomfortably. This was my first time going out alone with a guy, and I wasn't sure of the protocol. Was this a date? Just friends? The uncertainty made my palms sweat.

Daniel seemed to sense my nerves. "Relax," he said gently. "One night away from the books isn't going to hurt your chances for the scholarship."

If only he knew that wasn't what had me on edge.

---

The documentary was captivating—showing healthcare workers providing care in war zones and natural disasters. I found myself deeply moved by their dedication and resourcefulness. Occasionally, I glanced at Daniel, noting his focused expression and the genuine interest in his eyes. For the first time, I felt comfortable sitting next to a male who wasn't family. There was no pressure, no power dynamic—just shared interest in the film.

Halfway through, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out discreetly and froze when I saw the area code. Star Shadow territory. My heartbeat accelerated instantly.

I stared at the unknown number, torn between anxiety and concern. Nathan rarely called—he preferred to torment me in person or through our pack's mindlink when I was within range. In recent weeks, he'd started using burner phones to send threatening texts, knowing I'd see them before I could block the number. But this could be my family. Something could be wrong, and with the distance between us, they couldn't reach me through mindlink.

After a moment's hesitation, I leaned toward Daniel. "I need to take this call. It might be important."

"Want me to come with you?" he whispered back, his concern evident.

"No, stay and enjoy the film," I insisted. "I'll be right back."

I slipped out of the theater, finding a quiet corner in the lobby. Taking a deep breath, I answered the call.

"Hello?"

Silence greeted me, but I could hear soft breathing on the other end.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" My finger hovered over the end call button.

Then, simultaneously from the phone and from directly behind me, a cold voice spoke: "What a shameless little bitch."

I whirled around to find Nathan standing there, phone to his ear, his eyes burning with hatred.